White Hannukah

The TV news calls it the "arctic blast." We call it white Hannukah.  

Portland hasn't seen this much snow, in December, in 40 years & the Browns are loving it!! Uncle Gadi is here visiting and came just in time.  It started snowing on Thursday, Gadi came in Friday morning and the snow just stopped this evening (Monday.)  Flights are being cancelled so we might have him a few extra days - yea!

So what have we been doing... making snow angels, celebrating Hannukah, playing games and sledding.  Xander made this sled from a laundry basket and cross country skis' and took Elliot and Gadi for an adventure.

The city of Portland was not prepared for snow of this magnitude and the city has shut down, but we are loving it.  This is what I miss most about not living in a city that snows.  

Arctic Blast - The Browns love you!

Elliot in his chariot 
Uncle Gadi pulling Elliot up the hill
A break from sledding
All smiles
First night of Hannukah
Da brothas
Cuddling and staying warm
Elliot & buddies taking a break from sledding
This is normally a busy street.  Not a car in sight today, though
Miles loves his Uncle Gadi
Happy boy
Watching the snow fall

Elliot had to wear his goggles to play outside
All geared up for the cold
Cutest toy in the box
My little angel

This video is of Xander & Elliot riding down a street, which was closed to cars b/c of the snow, and packed with kids & their sleds for some fun.  

Zoo in December

Last week we took a family trip to the zoo.  Every time we go, Elliot is more interested in the animals, what they eat, how they survive...  He is curious and asks some great questions.  It makes the trip to the zoo special.  Miles really enjoyed himself too (as much as a 1 year old can enjoy the zoo, I guess.)  He was scared to pet the goats and sheep, but really liked watching the fish and otters.  We lucked out with the weather, too.  It was a cold December day, but sunny.

 We are supposed to get snow in Portland tonight, which is rare here in the winter, so everyone is freaking out.  Not me, though!  Bring it on!!!  I miss the snow and the kids will love it.

Elliot feeding a Larakeet.
Almost as tall as little bear
Held's
Browntown
All bundled and ready to go

Whistlin' one year old

Miles recently taught himself to whistle.   He does it all the time.  Here he is whistling at the Zoo.  Elliot is still working on the whole whistling concept.  A whistling one year old is almost as entertaining as a singing dog.